The CarbHyGreen process converts torrefied biomass into syngas (CO+CO2+H2), which is then split into carbon and hydrogen. This technology aimed to accelerate the use of green hydrogen, particularly for major consumers in the chemical sector who currently rely on vast quantities of natural gas as a feedstock for producing chemicals used in fertilisers, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
Uniper’s plant would have enabled these companies to rapidly decarbonise, without waiting for the Dutch national hydrogen backbone, which is still under development. The project was projected to replace 140 million cubic metres of natural gas annually, potentially saving around 275 kilotonnes of fossil CO2 emissions.
Chemelot has responded with understanding to Uniper’s decision, despite regretting the setback. The industrial park remains committed to its sustainability goals and is actively exploring alternative avenues. For instance, energy company RWE is working on a major hydrogen plant (FUREC) based on household waste, and there are plans to electrify production processes using green electricity. However, these also face challenges, such as the decade-long delay in constructing a necessary new high-voltage substation near Graetheide.
Uncertainty hampers investments
Dyonne Rietveld, Country Chair for Uniper Netherlands, stressed that uncertainty surrounding future energy regulations and grid congestion currently makes such substantial investments in the Netherlands untenable. “We will not achieve industrial decarbonisation this way,” Rietveld stated, indicating that Uniper is putting all its new Dutch projects on hold until a more stable and reliable policy framework is established.
The halting of the Uniper project underscores the urgent need for a clear and dependable investment climate to accelerate the energy transition in Dutch industry. Rietveld confirmed that Uniper is closely monitoring ongoing discussions and “stands ready to resume its investment activities as soon as the new framework offers clear and reliable conditions.” While there’s a theoretical chance the Chemelot project could be revived later, Uniper is also exploring sustainable investments in other countries.
Image: Aerovista Luchtfotografie/Shutterstock
